ScotRail Class 385 hits 160 km/h on Velim test track

ScotRail’s new Class 385 has completed its first 160 km/h (100 mph) tests on the Velim test circuit in the Czech Republic.

As well as achieving this testing milestone, Hitachi has delivered the second train, a four-car unit, to Scotland from its factory in Japan, where it will undergo dynamic testing later this year.

Work has now started on the remaining 56 trains of the fleet at Hitachi’s UK assembly facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The new fleet will include 46 three-car and 24 four-car AT200 units. Driver training is due to begin next spring, with the first trains arriving in summer 2017. Delivery of all the units will be completed in 2019.

The Class 385 fleet will operate on the Edinburgh-Glasgow via Falkirk High line.